Exploring the Wonderful World of Cruise Ships

Do you get good deals for booking a vacation/ cruise last minute?

Is it possible to get a last minute deal? I am looking to go in the end of June, but I want a good deal and I don’t mind taking a chance for the last minute.

John answers:

There’s always the possibility. Is it likely? No. The more likely outcome is you’ll wind up paying more and settling for whatever is still available. You’ll have a better chance of getting just the right cabin on the cruise you want by booking in advance.

Thomas asks…

What are the best deals or places for a cruise and stay vacation?

My girlfriend and I are looking to take a week vacation in the Bahamas or Caribbean and we want the experence of both a cruise and an island stay. We plan on going in a year from now but that may change based on when the best time to go is. We will both be 23 at the time of our trip. Any information or help is appreciated.

John answers:

Because of your age, don’t bother looking at Carnival as their rules state that one person must be 25 or older in your cabin. The best weather, but the highest prices, occur during the winter months. Summer is less costly but very hot and humid. Avoid mid-August through the end of October, if you can.

Now, combining a hotel stay with a cruise is certainly possible, but the options are limited. Cruises to the Bahamas are roundtrip, beginning in the US. You can’t just get off the ship and stay. So if you have your heart set on the Bahamas, you should just do a land package and save the cruise for another time.

If you opt for the Caribbean instead, look for cruises that either begin or end in San Juan, or offer San Juan roundtrip. Princess Cruises offers regular sailings from San Juan, as do other lines. You could then combine a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay with the cruise itself. You could stay in Puerto Rico or the nearby Virgin Islands, or even go a bit further afield.

Depending on what you’re looking for in a cruise, you should also look into Windstar Cruises which offers roundtrip sailings out of Barbados and St Martin.

Donald asks…

When you’re thinking of going on a land vacation (not a cruise) how do you go about finding deals?

I want an all inclusive vacation.. do I have to go to a travel agent or can you actually get it online… help

John answers:

Well, Donald, although this column is focused on cruises, I’ll take a shot at the answer. You can find packages on line, many people do it. Try Travelocity or Orbitz. You can also go to tour operators’ websites, such as GoGo or Travel Impressions.

You might find, however, that the abundance of information and choices is a bit overwhelming. It’s always best, I think, to use a good travel agent.